I began and finished my university (drinking) career in this bar, although admittedly if you are to pick camps I had two feet firmly rooted in Jim's Bar.
Glasgow Uni is the only uni in this region to divide itself firmly into two archaic camps *yawn*, and when you matriculate you are torn between either becoming a member of elitist GUU or the apparently laid back, baggy jeans contigency of the QMU. Although these unions operate hand in hand on a board member's level, the susceptible newcomers choose either to rush in their throngs to Jim's or to spend their years in here.
Although I'm wise to stereotypes I did admittedly feel more comfortable in the QM. My experiences in the GUU weren't bad unless, as the girls have outlined, you're in on a weekend and some boy asks if he can "pull" you because you look "goth" (I listen to Girls Aloud but wore black eyeliner and fishnets, so of *course* I love my black metal) or when a group of guys accost you and ask you to get your lady bits out for the lads. How charming! The sad thing is I stepped over these guys necking some chicks later on in the evening as I made my escape.
...and that's a weekend in university life. Those were the days! Even on nights like that I do mourn it. And not all GUU members are like that by the way - it's just the ones who fall into the "rugby boy", beer bar occupants who manage to make a song and dance about it. Empty vessels make the most noise! But during the week, you're met with a much calmer clientele who just want to chill between lectures, or neck a few drinks before a presentation (yes, I did do that once or twice to calm the old nerves).
It's a gorgeous old bar in a wonderful old building, so in terms of appearance it trumps Jim's and indeed many other surrounding bars as it has a heritage. This is evident during the week when you can come for an inexpensive pint, a game of pool and a chat with your mates. But at the weekend this is a different animal. So unless you're into booze and people that will open their legs as fast as your beer bottle (meow - and incidently I don't just mean the ladies) maybe you should go elsewhere.
But if you're feeling brave, this is all part of the university experience. I'm just a bit too long in the tooth with this kind of jazz to be excited at this place anymore....not because I feel old, not at all...no, that is not a wrinkle on my face! They call them laughter lines! read more